We are proud to have contributed to the development of the now published refreshed Accessible Information Standard (AIS).
Led by the Equalities and Involvement Team People and communities, Nursing Directorate and NHS England, our member organisations, Association of Mental Health Providers and ARC England, were engaged with the AIS implementation board on behalf of CPA members.
Providing clear guidance on making healthcare communication and information accessible to people with disabilities, impairments or sensory loss, the refreshed standard introduces a sixth step – reviewing needs – to ensure ongoing improvement in how organisations meet the information and communication needs of disabled people.
It also introduces a new Self-Assessment Framework (SAF), developed with feedback from pilot sites to help organisations monitor compliance and develop targeted improvement plans.
Every organisation must now have a designated operational AIS Lead with board-level responsibility for implementation, where appropriate, and digital accessibility requirements have been enhanced to align with current standards.
The refreshed standard reinforces obligations under the Equality Act 2010 while making implementation more practical for organisations of all sizes.
This refresh represents an important stepping stone towards a mandatory AIS mandatory in the future. A formal discovery phase to develop the mandatory standard will begin this financial year. The implementation feedback gathered through the SAF will directly inform service improvements at a local level.
Comprehensive implementation guidance, the self-assessment framework template, staff resources including communication tip sheets, and alternative accessible versions (Easy Read, BSL, Audio, Braille) are all available from launch.
Please find publication here. (there is an issue with the audio file to update)
An interactive e-learning resource to support all health and social care staff to effectively apply and follow the Accessible Information Standard here.
For reference, the written PQ – Minister’s comment here.
